Thursday, April 11, 2013

2013 MS 182 (Houston to Austin)

In a little over a week I will be joining
my daughter, Kelli, for the 2013 edition of the MS 150 – which I love to point
out is actually a 182 mile (we take the challenge route) two day bike
ride from Houston to Austin and don’t be misled – there ARE hills in Texas and
often lots of wind!

My first ride was on a borrowed bike in
2009 and I rode after receiving a dare/challenge from a friend!

Since 2009 I’ve ridden as an independent
rider (with a friend), on a team for a Health Club and last year with
Kelli and Team Texas Children’s Hospital (awesome jerseys). Riding
with Kelli makes the weekend even more special and something the two of us look
forward each year. This year Kelli’s small group from Ecclesia Church
decided to ride for Team Saint Arnold’s (really cool jerseys and carb
loading options).

What began as a dare and a challenge to
ride a bike 182 miles has become something more important. Every year I
meet someone else who is battling MS and every year I am reminded of the
courage it takes to live with MS. I think of that a lot along the ride –
especially when my legs are a little tired and there’s one more hill to climb.
We definitely are riding for an important cause. On a
personal note being able to ride with Kelli and do this together has also
become something important to me.

The MS Society organizes 100 rides
nationwide. The funds they raise fuel research aimed at treating and eventually
curing MS; they also provide crucial services for persons living with MS.
Each one of us who rides – and those who support us - are helping the National
MS Society move forward toward a world without MS and making a difference in
the lives of 400,000 Americans battling multiple sclerosis today!

On this year’s ride I will carry a
bandana with the names of people with MS written on it (something I learned
from past MS 150’s). I would love to add the names of any friends or
family members any of you know with multiple sclerosis.

AND Kelli and I
would LOVE your prayers – the truth is we NEED your prayers. No matter
how well we train – 182 is a long couple of days and the long range weather
forecasts are for a rainy weekend. We always pray for safety, cool temps,
clear skies and if possible a tailwind! But just as in life we sometimes
experience headwinds, heat and rain but God has protected us every year.
So please keep us in your prayers.

Finally if you’d
like to financially support the MS Society and my ride or just want to
find our more information on the MS Society just click on 2013 MS 150

About Me

FIVE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU:
Enthusiastic, creative, witty, passionate and talkative. OTHER PLACES GOD HAS TAKEN YOU: I was born in Charlotte, NC and grew up in Charleston, SC, Studied in Clemson, SC; Genoa, Italy and Atlanta, GA, Practiced architecture in Charleston, SC and Orlando, FL , Pastored churches in Atlanta, GA; Baton Rouge, LA; Mt. Pleasant, SC; Menlo Park, CA; and Houston, TX. WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT MOUNTAINTOP: Senior Pastor / Primary Teaching Pastor. WHAT'S ONE BOOK THAT HAS IMPACTED YOU?
Basic Christian Leadership by John Stott. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO IMPROVE YOUR INTELLIGENCE? Married Kim and became dad to Kelli, Jennifer and Jamie - and now father-in-law to Jay and soon CJ. They all make me smarter! Along the way I also earned a BS in Design and Master of Architecture from Clemson, became a Registered Architect in Florida and earned a Master of Divinity from Columbia Seminary. WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE? Convincing people that Mountaintop is one word and that the second "t" is not capitalized.